2 MAY 1925, Page 18

SOME FAMOUS SINGERS [To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—Surely

there are incorrect statements in your genial review of the books by Bancroft and Forbes-Robertson. Jenny Lind must have made a lot of money during her few years of greatness. Ifer American concert tour under Barnum was an overwhelming success.

Again, what is the authority for saying that Grisi and Mario sang for thirty pounds a night between them ? Grisi was the star of the Opera House when, in 1839, Mario first sang in London. They married a few years afterwards, and by 1845, at latest, Mario was first tenor in succession to Rubini. There were many private concerts in those days, and is it not on record that Mario questioned whether it was worth while putting on a dress coat for sixty guineas ?—I am, Sir, &c., S. II. P,